Vertical membrane storage system and method of storing liquids using the same

ABSTRACT

A vertical membrane storage system including a flexible membrane housing having an upper enclosed portion capable of storing a fluid and a lower open portion for receiving the fluid is disclosed. The storage system also includes a flotation tube disposed above and connected to the upper enclosed portion, and an anchor having receiving means for receiving a fluid disposed concentrically therein, whereby the anchor is connected to and encloses the lower open portion of the flexible membrane. The vertical membrane storage system can be used for storing a variety of fluids including, but not limited to, overflow sewage, oil-contaminated water, and the like.

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.09/689,639, filed on Oct. 13, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,426,289, thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a vertical membrane storage system, and to amethod of storing a fluid using the storage system. Specifically, theinvention relates to a submerged storage system that is capable ofstoring any number of fluids, including, inter alia, excess sewageemanating from a sewage system or a combined sewage-storm water systemduring periods of heavy flow.

2. Background of the Invention

Sewer overflow can cause significant problems, including individual homeflooding with sewage, as well as dumping overflow into and consequentlypolluting local waterways. This overflow occurs when the flow capacityof a sewer system is exceeded by the rainwater in-flow rate into thesystem for combined sanitary and storm sewer systems. Sewage backup andlocal water pollution is present in most storm sewer systems where thestorm sewers are rarely of a sufficient size to accommodate unusuallyheavy rainstorms.

When an overflow is encountered, the local municipalities preventoverload of the sewage treatment plant, as well as sewer backup intohomes by diverting the excess flow to local waterways, such as rivers,lakes, large retention ponds, and the oceans. This diversion creates anenormous environmental hazard. Moreover, for many inland cities, thereare no large natural systems that can accommodate the overflow. As aconsequence, these inland cities must rely on very expensive undergroundstorage systems.

To minimize overflow and backup problems from a storm sewer system, anumber of expensive methods have been heretofore proposed. Where thereare adequate spaces and tax revenues available for doing so, waterdrainage ponds and lakes have been constructed to collect excessrainwater run-off before the water can gain direct access to the stormsewer system. Such drainage ponds or lakes are usually not feasible.Moreover, recently it has been discovered that such drainage ponds andlakes have created drinking water contamination problems if the areaobtains its drinking water from underground wells or streams into whichthe water in the drainage ponds and lakes can drain.

A municipality also can minimize storm sewer backup and overflow byincreasing the size of the storm sewers that make up a citywide stormsewer system. This solution is extremely expensive, however, and it isan impractical solution to the problem, unless the storm sewer systemhas to be replaced for other reasons.

One costly solution that attempts to solve the problem of sewage backupinto an individual's home is proposed in Regan, U.S. Pat. No. 4,892,440.Regan proposes burying large water storage tanks in the ground to handlethe overflow. The water backup system described therein also includes acomplicated system of float switches, valves and pumps to both divertthe water to the storage tanks, and then to withdraw the overflow fromthe tanks when the overflow conditions have subsided. Regan's backupprevention system is quite costly to construct, and once in the ground,cannot readily be moved or replaced. Moreover, it is very expensive tofix leaks that inevitably develop in the storage tanks.

It is known to divert overflow water and sewage to a flexible channelthat is capable of expanding when filled with the overflow liquid. Forexample, German patent application DE 3,426,789 discloses a plastic sackhaving an opening to receive supply and to discharge overflow sewagewater. Overflow still may occur, however, if the plastic sack is notlarge enough to accommodate the excess flow, and an overflow is providedbetween the sewer and the plastic sack. In addition, undesirable odormay emanate from the sack because the sewer is in direct contact withthe atmosphere. If the overflow capacity of the plastic sack isexceeded, non-clarified sewage still can contaminate the natural waters.

Lesh, U.S. Pat. No. 3,701,428 discloses a sewage disposal unit thatcomprises a plurality of flexible sewer pipes connected to a flexibleplastic septic tank, or tanks, submerged in a body of water adjacent thesewer mains. Lesh states that the pressure of the body of water servesto support the submerged plastic septic tanks which avoids extensiveexcavation or building concrete tanks. The flexible system of Lesh islimited in size, and when its capacity is exceeded, overflow will stilloccur.

Clemens, WO 98/03742 proposes another flexible channel for storingsewage and clarifying the sewage in the event of heavy rainfall. Clemensutilizes a flexible plastic material, such as a geotextile (Perl E), andtension ropes to support the flexible material when filled. Whileproviding a cheaper and more mobile solution to the overflow problemthan that proposed in Regan, Clemens' system does not effectivelyclarify the sewage, and it is difficult to fill and withdraw liquid fromthe system. The tension ropes also cause considerable stress at thejunction of the tension ropes and the plastic material that can causerips or tears. The tension ropes also may cause the deposit of excesssludge that is difficult to remove.

In addition to the pollution problems associated with overflow ofsewage, there are other significant environmental problems associatedwith the earth's natural water system. It is generally accepted that ouroceans are losing life. Les Watling of the University of Maine has hoursof videotape showing “before-and-after” footage of the ocean, and theeffects of trawling: showing gardens of life in one segment (before),and mud and debris in the other (after).

In vast near-coastal areas and in semi-enclosed seas the water itselfhas been rendered sterile. The problem is believed to be caused bynutrient pollution, the smothering deluge of sewage, manure, andchemical fertilizers from land-based activities. Rising populations andthe increasingly intensive agriculture and livestock operations neededto feed them have caused an explosion in nutrient run-off. This problemis even more exacerbated by the dramatic increase in bio-engineeredfertilizers and feedstocks, which are now dumping numerous unknownorganisms into our waters.

Although some nutrients can be beneficial to our waters, too large aquantity poisons the waterways. Phyloplankton productivity is limited bythe availability of nutrients in sea water, and where there areexcessive levels, these microscopic algae explode in such massive bloomsthat grazers cannot keep up. The dead algae fall to the bottom to bedecomposed by bacteria, a process that consumes large amounts of oxygen,so much that often little or none is left to sustain anything else. Thiscondition is called hypoxia. When hypoxic conditions occur, all animallife that cannot swim away suffocates. This is how the Black Sea'sshallow life-bearing shelves were laid waste, setting the stage for theecological collapse of the entire basin. Hypoxia also has become achronic problem in the Gulf of Mexico, where a seven thousand squaremile “dead zone” appears off the Louisiana and Texas coasts during thespring and summer, disrupting shrimp and fish migrations, and wiping outbottom fauna. Seasonal hypoxia affects many other natural waterways,including, for example, the Chesapeake Bay, N.Y. Bight, the Adriatic,North, and Baltic Seas, the Yellow Sea, and the like.

Other pollution exists as well. For example, toxic chemicals have foryears been dumped into our vast oceans. Paints used on ships to keepbarnacles and other parasites from clinging to the ship's hulls becomedissolved in the water and ingested by the local marine life. Movingmarine life from one ecosystem to another also creates a great deal ofpollution.

The most common agents of what scientists call “invasive speciestransfer” are oceangoing tankers and container ships. When light oncargo, most ships are obliged to pump water into their holds to maintaintheir seaworthiness. This ballast water contains numerous plants andanimals, some as adults, but most in the form of eggs, larvae, orjuveniles. On reaching its destination halfway around the world, a shipthen will discharge some or all of its ballast water and, in theprocess, introduce huge numbers of alien species to the surroundingenvironment. Worldwide, the National Research Council estimates thatthree thousand species are picked up in ballast water every day. Thespecies that survive the lengthy trip, and then the new environmentbecome established. Lacking natural predators or having overwhelmingadvantages over their prey, some intruders completely take over,exterminating competitors and turning the ecosystem upside down.

The expression “invasive species transfer” denotes living plants,animals or bacteria that have accidentally or purposefully beenintroduced into a new habitat and have the potential to devastate thenative plants, animals, and organisms, or to create ecological monsterslike zebra mussels, lampreys, Asian snails, European crabs (green), andthe bright green sea grass (Caulerca Taxifola), which is toxic to allorganisms that attempt to ingest it. Other examples include theMnemiopsis Leidyl (comb jellyfish), a benign native of the NortheasternUnited States, which have killed most living things in the Black Sea.

Many microscopic spores, eggs, animals, etc. that are transferred by thebilge and ballast water are benign, especially when compared to thePfiesteria Piscicida (fish killer) that can metamorphose into 24different beings, most of which are capable of devouring most livingthings. Although these “morphs” are microscopic, they are dangerous evento mankind. They are partial also to sewage, blood and offal fromslaughterhouses for chickens, hogs, cattle, and horses. These fishkillers also can kill a fish from a distance of three or four feet anddissolve it simultaneously.

These invasive species transfer invasions are becoming increasinglycommonplace as ships become larger and more numerous. San Francisco Bay,a busy shipping port, is home to at least 212 exotic species. The fishpopulation is now a bizarre mix of Mississippi catfish, East Asiangobies, Japanese carp, and aquarium goldfish. The bottom is controlledby Chinese mitten crabs (which can harbor human parasites and whoseburrowing causes levees to collapse) and Asian clams (which filter outvirtually all plankton, starving out native fish). A new species takeshold in the Bay every twelve weeks on average. Exotic invaders tend towreak the most havoc in ecosystems already damaged by other stresses. ANorth American bristle worm now dominates the bottom of Poland's highlypolluted Vistula lagoon.

Another increasing source of pollution in our vast waterways is causedby oil spills, as well as oil and fuel leaks from seaworthy vessels.While the massive oil spills, like the Exxon Valdez, provide animmediate and glaring source of pollution, waste from oil ships has beena problem for a considerable time. It is not possible under presentstringent regulations for ships to deposit bilge water, or other waterthat may contain oil into the ocean or other waterways. Thus, oil-watermixtures must be disposed of directly in public sewers or waterways inview of their oil content. Furthermore the recovery value of the oil inthe water is quite small.

Propp, U.S. Pat. No. 4,048,070 describes a system that provides aholding tank for the wastewater received from ships. The holding tank isattached to a series of decantation tanks, which in turn are connectedto separator tanks. The system of Propp is very expensive and difficultto construct and employ.

Other forms of contamination of natural or man-made waterways can comefrom fish farms. Nearly 20% of the fish and seafood consumed today nowis raised on farms even from seed, fingerlings, very young mollusks oreggs that are raised on commercial feed formulated to provide adequatenutrients or on natural food organisms grown through water fertilizingtechniques. Because potentially polluting and disease-bearing wasteaccumulates in any fish farm, it must be disposed of through elaboratewater circulation systems and filtration. Some filtration systemsharness bacteria that convert ammonia, which the fish secrete throughtheir gills into nitrates. It would be desirable to provide a fishfarming system that did not require such complicated and expensivedisposal systems.

Finally, many impoverished nations do not have adequate drinking water,and do not even have an adequate sewage disposal system. Sewage isdumped directly into the water that is ultimately used for drinking,causing dysentery, cholera, and many other bacterial and viral diseases.Effectively treating the sewage not only may solve the drinking waterproblem, but also may provide fertilizer to assist growth of vegetation,rice, and other staple goods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is a need to solve the pollution problems noted above. Forexample, there is an increasing need to provide a solution to theoverflow of sewage into natural waterways. There also exists a need toalleviate, ameliorate, or completely eliminate the problems associatedwith invasive species transfer. There also exists a need to prevent theunnecessary pollution caused by oil spills and/or excess oil or fuelspillage into the natural waterways. There also exists a need to preventflooding or to cut off temporarily the flow of a river, stream, risinglake, and the like. Finally, it would be desirable to provide a means bywhich people living in impoverished nations could be supplied with cleandrinking water, and to provide a mechanism to treat the waste sewage.

It is therefore a feature of an embodiment the present invention toprovide a vertical membrane storage system including a flexible membranehousing having an upper enclosed portion capable of storing a fluid, anda lower open portion for receiving the fluid. The storage system alsoincludes a flotation tube disposed above and connected to the upperenclosed portion, and an anchor having receiving means for receiving afluid disposed concentrically therein, whereby the anchor is connectedto and encloses the lower open portion of the flexible membrane.

In accordance with another feature of an embodiment of the invention,there is provided a submerged overflow storage system comprising atleast one vertical membrane storage system as described above. Thesubmerged overflow storage system also includes an inflow pipe connectedto the receiving means of the at least one vertical membrane storagesystem, an inflow overflow valve disposed within the inflow pipe, anoutflow pipe connected to the inflow pipe, and an outflow valve disposedwithin the inflow pipe and the outflow pipe.

It is an additional feature of an embodiment of the present invention toprovide a method of storing a fluid that includes injecting a fluid intothe above-described vertical membrane storage system via the receivingmeans. It is an additional feature of an embodiment of the invention toprovide a method of preventing invasive species transfer comprisingemptying ballast and/or bilge water from a sea-going vessel into theabove-described submerged overflow storage system.

An additional feature of an embodiment of the invention is to provide avertical membrane storage system having a perforated pipe that serves asboth the anchoring mechanism and as the device the allows the inflow andoutflow of fluid.

The vertical membrane storage system of the invention also can bemodified to serve as a flood control device whereby the anchor is seatedin the ground or securely attached to the ground at or near the shore ofa river, stream, lake, ocean, etc. The flexible membrane may beconfigured such that it does not contain an upper enclosed portioncapable of storing a fluid, but rather includes just the membrane. Theflotation tube can remain unfilled with air during periods where theflood control device is not needed, thereby making it more unobtrusive.During periods when the flood control device is needed, the flotationtube can be filled and the vertical membrane storage system will risewith the rising fluid, and keep the fluid within its boundaries.

These and other features of the invention will be readily apparent tothose skilled in the art upon reading the description of preferredembodiments that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred vertical membrane storage systemaccording to the invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a preferred submerged overflowstorage system according to the invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating a preferred portable submergedstorage system submerged in a body of water according to the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an aerator apparatus attached to the verticalmembrane storage system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 illustrates a preferred vertical membrane storage system thatincludes a perforated pipe.

FIG. 6 illustrates a vertical membrane storage system used as a floodcontrol device when no flood control is desired.

FIG. 7 illustrates a vertical membrane storage system used as a floodcontrol device when the flood control is desired.

In the drawings, like numerals represent like embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Provisional Patent Application No. 60/159,506, filed on Oct. 15, 1999,and entitled “Vertical Membrane Storage System,” provisional patentapplication No. 60/197,001, filed Apr. 13, 2000, and entitled “VerticalMembrane Storage System,” and provisional patent application No.60/201,671, filed May 3, 2000, and entitled “Submerged Vertical MembraneRaw-Sewage Module, Temporary System for Bypassing WithoutContamination,” each are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

The present invention relates to a vertical membrane storage systemincluding a flexible membrane housing having an upper enclosed portioncapable of storing a fluid, and a lower open portion for receiving thefluid. The storage system also includes a flotation tube disposed aboveand connected to the upper enclosed portion, and an anchor connected toand enclosing the lower open portion of the flexible membrane. Theanchor has a receiving means for receiving a fluid disposedconcentrically therein.

A particularly preferred vertical membrane storage system is illustratedin FIG. 1. As shown therein, the vertical membrane storage system 10 iscomprised of at least three component parts: flotation tube 130,flexible membrane housing 120, and anchor 110. The flotation tube 130and flexible membrane housing 120 can be comprised of any flexiblematerial that is capable of retaining fluid (e.g., air, sewage, oilcontaminated water, drinking water, etc.), while at the same timekeeping out fluid that may exist outside the flotation tube 130 andflexible membrane housing 120. If the vertical membrane storage systemwere stored above ground, helium or other light gases could be used inflotation tube 130 to maintain the storage system in a verticalalignment.

It is preferred in the invention that flotation tube 130 and flexiblemembrane housing 120 be comprised of a flexible polymeric material, andmore preferably a multilayer flexible polymeric material. Suitablematerials include polyester felt, polyethylene, polypropylene,polyurethane, Gore-Tex®, rubbers, and the like. Most preferably, theflotation tube 130 and flexible membrane housing 120 are comprised of amultilayer polyester felt having adhered thereto a water-impermeablefilm.

Anchor 110 can be comprised of any material capable of anchoring thevertical membrane storage system and preventing it from floating away tothe surface or with existing currents. Anchor 110 also can be comprisedof any material capable of enclosing the lower end of flexible membranehousing 120. Preferably, anchor 110 is made of a plurality of modules asshown in FIG. 1, which enables its construction and assembly eitheron-site or at another location, and then the modules transported to thedesired storage area and assembled on-site. For submerged storagesystems, a diver, or the like can assemble anchor 110 underwater. Anchor110 can be made of concrete, steel, plastic, or any other materialcapable of withstanding the environment in which it is used. Mostpreferably, anchor 110 is comprised of a plurality of concrete modules.

Anchor 110 comprises a receiving means 100 for receiving the fluid to bestored in the vertical membrane storage system. Receiving means 100preferably is comprised of an opening disposed concentrically throughanchor 110. More preferably, receiving means 100 comprises a tube 170disposed concentrically within the anchor, wherein tube 170 comprises aninlet disposed at one end for receiving a fluid. Tube 170 can be anytube capable of carrying a fluid, such as plastic, PVC, metal, steel,etc. Preferably, tube 170 is a perforated steel tube, whereby theperforations 175 enable liquid and solid transfer to and from the tubeand the flexible membrane housing 120. Perforated tube 170 and anchor110 can be designed so that tube 170 can be screwed into anchor 110.

It is possible in the present invention that anchor 110 and tube 170 beone and the same device. That is, tube 170 can be made of a materialthat is heavy enough to anchor the vertical membrane storage systemwithout the need for separate anchor means. For example, tube 170 can bea perforated steel tube having a diameter anywhere from about 0.5 feetto about 30 feet, and dense enough to prevent the vertical membranestorage system from floating away. In this embodiment, the tube 170 maybe disposed inside the lower end of flexible membrane housing 120 suchthat flexible membrane housing 120 can be comprised of a seamlessballoon-like apparatus having an opening adjacent the receiving means100. Tube 170 in this embodiment also would be equipped withperforations, and valves to allow fluid to flow into the flexiblemembrane housing 120, to allow fluid to be stored in the housing, and toallow fluid to be withdrawn therefrom.

By using a tube 170 having perforations 175 that enable liquid and solidtransfer, the vertical membrane storage system is capable of storing anddisinfecting sewage. Sewage can be injected into vertical membranestorage system 10 via tube 170, and the sewage (containing liquids andsolids) flows upwards through perforations 175, and into flexiblemembrane 120 thereby filling the membrane. While the sewage is stored inflexible membrane 120, solids will invariably settle to the bottom ofthe flexible membrane. These solids can fall through perforations intube 170, and then the solids can be back-flushed with water out of tube170 and into a sewage treatment facility, or the like.

Vertical membrane storage system 10 can treat sewage while it is beingstored. For example, bacteria and other disinfectant chemicals ormicrobes can be injected into a filled flexible membrane housing 120 viareceiving means 100. In addition, or alternatively, vertical membranestorage system 10 can function as an aerator by injecting air into thefluid stored in flexible membrane 120. In this embodiment, the storagesystem also includes an air pipe 160 comprising perforations 165. Theair pipe 160 preferably is disposed concentrically within the receivingmeans 100 or the tube 170, and the air pipe 160 comprises an open inletdisposed at one end, and a cap at the other end. The cap can be removed,an external air source connected to air pipe 160, and then air can beinjected into the open inlet of air pipe 160, through perforations 165,and into the sewage stored in flexible membrane 120.

In this embodiment, it is preferred that vertical membrane storagesystem 10 also comprise an air release valve 140 and a skimmer 150disposed within flexible membrane housing 120. Air release valve 140serves to percolate the air bubbling through the fluid medium stored inflexible membrane housing 120. It is preferred in this embodiment of theinvention that air release valve 140 be comprised of a ball valve 147disposed within the flexible membrane housing 120, and an air valve 145in fluid communication with the ball valve and disposed outside theflexible membrane housing. Ball valve 147 and air valve 145 can beactuated remotely, as required. Skilled artisans are capable ofdesigning a suitable system of controllable valves, using the guidelinesprovided herein.

It also is preferred that air valve 145 floats on the surface of thewater when a submerged system is employed. In addition, skimmer 150 canbe any skimming device that is capable of picking up solid debrisfloating on top of the liquid disposed within the flexible membranehousing 120, and transferring the solid debris to the receiving means100, preferably tube 170, and out of the system. The use of air releasevalve 140 is not required, however, especially if flexible membranehousing 120 were comprised of a material that permits air to flow out ofthe system and prevents water from entering the system.

Vertical membrane storage system 10 can be designed to be practically ofany size or shape. While FIG. 1 depicts an oblong oval-shaped flexiblemembrane housing 120, when filled, other shapes are contemplated by theinvention. The size of vertical membrane storage system 10 can bedetermined depending on its desired end use, and skilled artisans arecapable of designing the system to have any size, using the guidelinesprovided herein. Because of the modular nature of the vertical membranestorage system 10, its component parts can be fabricated anywhere, flownor otherwise transported to its desired location (anchor 110 modules canbe fabricated on-site, if desired), and assembled on site by localtechnicians.

Depending on the particular needs of the system, flotation tube 130 andflexible membrane housing 120 can be of any suitable size. For example,flotation tube 130 can be anywhere from about 10 to about 500 meterslong, and from about 0.25 to about 5 meters in diameter, preferably,from about 30 to about 400 meters long, and from about 1 to about 3meters in diameter, and more preferably, from about 100 to about 350meters long and from about 1 to about 2 meters in diameter. Flexiblemembrane housing 120 can be anywhere from about 10 to about 500 meterslong, and from about 2 to about 25 meters high, preferably from about 30to about 400 meters long, and from about 4 to about 15 meters high, andmore preferably, from about 100 to about 350 meters long, and from about6 to about 10 meters high. Flexible membrane housing 120 having thesedimensions is capable of storing anywhere from about 10,000 to well over1,000,000 gallons of fluid.

Vertical membrane storage system 10 can be used in a variety of ways toprevent pollution of our natural waterways, to store vast amounts ofclear drinking water for impoverished nations to draw from, or to farmfish. For example, at least one vertical membrane storage system can bearranged in series, in parallel, or otherwise, and submerged in a bodyof water, such as a pond, a lake, a deep river, an ocean, or a man-madetrench or retention pond filled with water. Submerging vertical membranestorage system 10 provides an effective overflow storage system that isout of sight from the public, is unobtrusive, and does not producesubstantial undesirable odors.

At least one vertical membrane storage system 10 also can be submergedin a body of water and connected to a detachable submerged connectiontube thereby making the system portable. The system therefore can bemoved from place to place as desired. For example, the storage systemcan be transported to a large oil spill, connected to a surface skimmer,and vast quantities of oil-contaminated water on the surface can bestored until a treatment vessel arrives to withdraw the contaminatedwater and treat it. Alternatively, the portable system can betransported to an impoverished nation to store sewage until a seaworthysewage treatment vessel arrives to treat the contaminated water, therebypreserving the waterways surrounding the impoverished nation. Treatmentof the sewage may generate much needed fertilizers for the impoverishednation.

The storage system also can be used to farm fish whereby fish arehatched and grown in the controlled environment within the flexiblemembrane housing 120. Another use for the storage system is to storeclean drinking water for impoverished nations to draw upon when needed.The storage system also can be used to prevent invasive species transferby placing the system strategically in large ports. In this context,ocean-going vessels can discharge their bilge and/or ballast water(which may have been picked up thousands of miles away) into theportable storage system. Those skilled in the art can envision a myriadof other possible uses for the vertical membrane storage system 10 ofthe present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a preferred submerged overflow storage system 200according to an additional embodiment of the invention. This embodimentof the invention can be used to divert overflow from a storm sewersystem whereby during periods of heavy rainfall, sewage flow is divertedto inflow pipe 210 by activating inflow overflow valve 220. Thesubmerged overflow storage system 200 preferably comprises at least onevertical membrane storage system 10 as shown in FIG. 1. Although FIG. 2depicts three vertical membrane storage systems in series, those skilledin the art will appreciate that any number of systems can be arranged ina variety of arrangements. The submerged overflow storage system 200preferably is submerged in a large body of water 250 near the bottom ofthe body of water, and a sufficient distance from the sloping side 260.

The submerged overflow storage system 200 comprises an inflow pipe 210connected to the receiving means 100 of the at least one verticalmembrane storage system. To divert flow into the storage system, aninflow overflow valve 220 preferably is disposed within the inflow pipe.When the fluid in the storage system is ready to be discharged, it canbe discharged via outflow pipe 240 connected to the inflow pipe, byactivating an outflow valve 230 that is disposed within the inflow pipe210 and in fluid communication with the outflow pipe 240. Outflow pipe240 can be used for diverting stored fluid to a high-level sewer system.For a sewer system 286 that is vertically disposed below the receivingmeans 100 of the at least one vertical membrane storage system, thestorage system further comprises a pump 285 connected to outflow pipe280 for pumping fluid from the at least one vertical membrane storagesystem to the outflow pipe 280. Those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the system shown in FIG. 2 is a particularly preferred embodimentof the invention and that many modifications may be made thereto. Forexample, inflow pipe 210 and outflow pipe 240 can be the same pipewhereby the fluid enters and exits the submerged overflow storage systemvia the same conduit. Overflow valve 220 and outflow valve 230 alsocould be one and the same valve.

FIG. 2 illustrates a plurality of vertical membrane storage systems inthe empty state, and when full. As can be seen, when full, the verticalmembrane storage system is lower in the body of water 250 than whenempty, because the weight of the fluid in flexible membrane housing 120draws flotation tube 130 down towards anchor 110. Inflow pipe 210 isprovided with an end cap 270 that can be removed to back-flush thesystem, or to add additional vertical membrane storage systems, ifneeded.

The submerged storage system 200 also preferably includes a receivingmeans valve (330, 340, 350 in FIG. 3) disposed within the receivingmeans 100 of the at least one vertical membrane storage system, and avalve actuating means (not shown) disposed within the receiving meansfor actuating the receiving means valve. As shown in FIG. 3, as the atleast one vertical membrane storage system is empty, receiving meansvalve 330 is in the closed position, and when being filled or emptied,receiving means valve 340 is in the open position. Upon being filled,receiving means valve 350 again is in the closed position to keep fluidwithin flexible membrane housing 120.

FIG. 3 illustrates a preferred portable submerged storage system 300submerged in a body of water 250. In essence, portable submerged storagesystem 300 is the same as submerged storage system 200, except that itis not fixedly connected to an inflow pipe 210. Rather, the portablesubmerged storage system 300 is connected to a submerged connection tube310. Submerged connection tube 310 can be connected and disconnected tothe storage system via swivel connection joint 320. Any type ofconnection can be used as swivel connection joint 320 so long as it iscapable of connecting the submerged storage system to submergedconnection tube 310.

As shown in FIG. 3, the vertical membrane storage system on the left ofthe three shown (three systems are shown merely as a matter ofconvenience) is empty. Thus, receiving means valve 330 is in the closedstate. When an external source is connected to connection tube 310 toinject fluid into the vertical membrane storage system, receiving meansvalve 340 would be in the open position, as shown by the verticalmembrane storage system in the center of FIG. 3. To prevent leakage backinto connection tube 310 after filling, receiving means valve 350 isclosed after the system has been filled, as shown by the verticalmembrane storage system on the right of FIG. 3. The receiving meansvalves 330, 340, and 350 can be actuated by a valve actuating means (notshown) capable of operating the valves when the storage system is empty,during filling, after the system has been filled, and then duringsubsequent draining. Those skilled in the art are capable of designingsuitable valve actuating means, using the guidelines provided herein.

FIG. 3 shows two out of the numerous possible connections that can bemade at the surface of the body of water 250 to enable filling andemptying the portable submerged storage system 300. For example, thefloating platform 360 shown on the left hand side of FIG. 3 can be usedby any external device to dock, and then fill, empty, etc. fluid intoand out of the portable submerged storage system 300. Suitable externaldevices include, but are not limited to, sea-going vessels that can usethe storage system to store bilge and/or ballast water for furtherprocessing, as needed. Such use would prevent invasive species transferthat is so prevalent in our major ports today. Another external devicecould include an ocean-going sewage treatment plant, or a large vesselcarrying potable water to be stored and used by an impoverished nation,or a nation suffering from severe weather damage to its water system.Those skilled in the art will appreciate the numerous external devicesthat could be used in the present invention.

Floating platform 360 serves to connect the portable submerged storagesystem 300 to an external device. Any arrangement can be used to connectthe external device to the submerged connection tube 310. A preferredarrangement is shown in FIG. 3. The floating platform 360 shown thereinincludes an ambient connection tube 362 disposed within the floatingplatform and connected to the submerged connection tube 310. The ambientconnection tube 362 connects to an external device. Those skilled in theart can design ambient connection tube 362 to connect to any desiredexternal device using the guidelines provided herein. A platform 366also is provided, and is connected to and supports the ambientconnection tube 362. Finally, floating platform 360 includes at leastone floatation pontoon 364 that is at least partially submerged in thebody of water 250, and is connected to the platform 366.

Another external device that can be used to connect to submergedconnection tube 310 is ambient floating skimmer 370, shown on the righthand side of FIG. 3. The ambient floating skimmer 370 can be used forany number of purposes, one preferred use being to divert contaminatedsurface water (from chemical or oil spills) into the portable submergedstorage system 300 so that it can be stored and then withdrawn when atreatment vessel is available. Thus, should a major oil spill occur, theportable submerged storage system can easily be flown to the spill,assembled, and then the contaminated water quickly diverted into thestorage system. This will contain the oil spill and significantly reduceharm to the environment.

As shown in FIG. 3, ambient floating skimmer 370 is at least partiallysubmerged in the body of water 250. Ambient floating skimmer 370 can beconnected to the submerged connection tube 310 via a swivel connector372 disposed between the submerged connection tube 310 and the ambientfloating skimmer 370. Again, any type of connection can be used asswivel connector 372 so long as it is capable of connecting the ambientfloating skimmer 370 to submerged connection tube 310.

Turning now to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 illustrates an aerator apparatus 400attached to the vertical membrane storage system 10 of FIG. 1. Theaerator apparatus 400 can be used to aerate sewage or other contaminatedfluid stored in flexible membrane housing 120. Preferably, aeratorapparatus 400 is connected to the vertical membrane storage system 10 atthe end opposite the end used to fill and empty the system. For example,aerator apparatus 400 would be connected to the vertical storage system10 at the end where the cap is disposed on air pipe 160. The cap caneasily be removed, as well as any closing means present on the closedend of receiving means 100 (and perforated steel tube 170), and aeratorapparatus 400 connected using techniques readily available to thoseskilled in the art.

Aerator apparatus 400 preferably comprises an aerator housing 480disposed outside the flexible membrane housing 120, whereby the aeratorhousing 480 has an inlet pipe 430 for receiving air or water. Aturbilizing pipe 420 preferably is connected to and in fluidcommunication with the aerator housing 480 and the flexible membranehousing 120. Turbilizing pipe 420 can be used to provide agitation tothe fluid in flexible membrane housing 120, using any technique readilyavailable to those skilled in the art (e.g., spinning rotor blades, highpressure air, etc.). Aerator apparatus 400 also preferably includes anaerator air pipe 460 connected to and in fluid communication with theaerator housing 480, and to the end of the air pipe 160 having the cap,whereby the cap has been removed. Aerator apparatus 400 also preferablyincludes an aerator fluid pipe 470 connected to and in fluidcommunication with the aerator housing 480 and the receiving means 100(and/or perforated steel tube 170 (FIG. 1)). Finally, aerator apparatus400 may include exhaust pipe 410 that can serve to exhaust fluid and/orgas from the system.

In operation, aerator apparatus 400 can receive air or fluid throughinlet pipe 430. The air or fluid can be used to back-flush the system ofsolids as they accumulate on and in perforated steel tube 170 (see FIG.1). Alternatively, a fluid source can be connected to the verticalmembrane storage system on the side opposite aerator apparatus 400 andused to back-flush the system, whereby the accumulated solids exitaerator apparatus 400 through exhaust 410.

As an aerator, air would enter the aerator apparatus 400 from anexternal source via inlet pipe 430, and then be directed into air pipe160 via aerator air pipe 460. The air then can percolate through theperforations 165 in air pipe 160 (see, FIG. 1) and bubble up and throughthe contaminated fluid in flexible membrane housing 120. Any type ofbacteria, biocide or other biological material that aids in aeration ofcontaminated fluids could be added to the contaminated fluid duringaeration. In this embodiment, the contaminated fluid can be effectivelytreated without harm to the environment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a particularly preferred anchoring device for use invertical membrane storage system 10. As shown therein, the verticalmembrane storage system includes a flotation tube 130, flexible membranehousing 120, and the anchoring device is a perforated pipe 170. Anyperforated pipe can be used in the invention so long as it is capable ofanchoring storage system 10, and so long as it is capable oftransporting a fluid from the pipe into and out of flexible membranehousing 120. It is preferred that perforations 175 in perforated pipe170 be generally elongated in shape as shown in FIG. 5. A preferredperforated pipe 170 for use in the invention could include a {fraction(9/16)}″ wall, by 18″ diameter, by 1,000 feet long steel pipe, whichwould weigh approximately 45 tons. If need be, perforated pipe 170 mayinclude tie off welding pads to enable anchoring additional weights ifnecessary.

FIG. 5 also shows another preferred embodiment whereby perforated pipe170 has attachment flanges 176, which may be an integral portion ofperforated pipe 170, or which may be attached thereto by skip welds 177,or other secure attachment mechanisms. Attachment flanges 176 provide aneasy mechanism to attach flexible membrane housing 120 to the perforatedpipe 170. Attachment flanges 176 can be comprised of a splined shoulderbeing {fraction (9/16)}″ thick by 4 inches wide, and preferably are madeof the same material as perforated pipe 170. As shown in the inset,flexible membrane housing 120 can be attached to perforated pipe 170 bybolts 178, or other equivalent attachment devices 178 along the lengthof the tube. It is preferred that the attachment devices be comprised ofhigh tensile bolts having a neoprene coated nut thread.

The flotation tube 130 can be attached to flexible membrane housing bychemical or thermal welds 135. Those skilled in the art will be capableof designing and manufacturing a suitable attachment mechanism 135 forattaching flotation tube 130 to flexible membrane housing 120. FIG. 5also illustrates a preferred embodiment whereby flexible membranehousing 120 includes three layers; two layers of high tensile polyesterfelt laminate fabric disposed around a center layer of polyethylene.Other types of high tensile flexible and waterproof membranes can beused in the present invention.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate an alternative use for vertical membranestorage system 10, whereby the storage system does not store fluid. Inthis embodiment of the invention, the vertical membrane storage system10 can be used to prevent flooding or hold back rising waters. Thesystem also can be used to divert fluid away from a given area to enableconstruction on a bridge, or the like. The same components can be usedas described above; namely, flotation tube 130, flexible membranehousing 120, and anchor 110. It is preferred in this embodiment,however, that flexible membrane housing 120 not be filled with fluid,and even more preferred that flexible membrane housing be comprised of asingle membrane (which itself typically is comprised of a plurality oflayers). Thus, instead of two attachment flanges as shown in FIG. 5,only one attachment flange 176 would be required.

FIG. 6 illustrates the embodiment where the fluid 630 to be containedhas not yet reached the level where flood control, or fluid containmentis needed. Here, the vertical membrane storage system 10 could becompletely stored underground, or could be anchored into the ground byan anchoring system 620, such as sand bags, heavy weights, concretewalls (modular or otherwise), and the like. The anchoring system 620could include netting (not shown) to secure it to the vertical membranestorage system 10. When not in use, it is preferred that flotation tube130 be deflated as shown in the Figure.

When fluid containment is required to prevent flooding, or to divertfluid flow, flotation tube 130 can be inflated, vertical membranestorage system pulled from the ground to expose the flotation tube, andanchoring system 620 attached. As the fluid 610 rises, the flotationtube rises with it to prevent or divert the fluid from flooding a home640, or the like. The anchoring system 620, coupled with the anchor 110,which preferably is submerged in the ground, the flexible membranehousing 120 can serve as a dam to prevent flooding.

The flood and fluid flow control system of the invention provides uniqueadvantages over systems presently in use. In areas of frequent flooding,for example, the vertical membrane storage systems 10 can be placed andsecured in the ground along the shore of the body of water 610. When thewater is rising, or is expected to flood, modular anchors 620 can bedeployed, and flotation tube filled with air 130. This system would beunobtrusive, and would prevent the need for building large leveesystems, and flow diversion valleys, which typically require massivemovement of land. The system also provides advantages for fluiddiversion. Little assembly is required, unlike systems in use todaywhich require significant assembly, and often require anchoring steelpylons to divert the flow of water. In addition, the device of thepresent invention can be buried in the ground either on shore on dryland, or under water, and the device assembled to divert flow. Ifassembled under the water, the water on one side of the device can bepumped to the other to provide the necessary fluid diversion. Fluiddiversion is necessary for bridge repairs, stream diversion for roadconstruction, and the like.

As mentioned above, the uses for the vertical membrane storage system10, submerged overflow storage system 200, portable submerged storagesystem 300, and aerator housing 400 are legion. All such uses describedherein, as well as others that will be readily apparent to those skilledin the art are contemplated by the present invention.

While the invention has been described in detail with reference to theparticularly preferred embodiments described herein, those skilled inthe art will appreciate that various modifications may be made theretowithout departing from the spirit and scope thereof. All documentsdescribed above are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vertical membrane storage system comprising: a.a flexible membrane housing having an upper enclosed portion capable ofstoring a fluid, and a lower open portion for receiving the fluid; b. aflotation tube disposed above and connected to the upper enclosedportion; c. a perforated pipe attached to and enclosing the lower openportion of the flexible membrane; and d. a receiving means for receivinga fluid connected to the perforated pipe, whereby the perforated pipehas elongated perforations along its length to allow fluid to flow intoflexible membrane housing, and to allow solids to settle into theperforated pipe.
 2. The storage system as claimed in claim 1, furthercomprising: e. an air pipe comprising perforations disposedconcentrically within the perforated pipe, wherein the air pipecomprises an open inlet disposed at one end, and a cap at the other end.3. The storage system as claimed in claim 2, further comprising: f. anair release valve comprising a ball valve disposed within the flexiblemembrane housing, and an air valve in fluid communication with the ballvalve and disposed outside the flexible membrane housing; and g. askimmer disposed within the flexible membrane housing.
 4. The storagesystem as claimed in claim 3, further comprising an aerator device, theaerator device comprising: an aerator housing disposed outside theflexible membrane housing, the aerator housing having an inlet pipe forreceiving air or water; a turbilizing pipe connected to and in fluidcommunication with the aerator housing and the flexible membranehousing; an aerator air pipe connected to and in fluid communicationwith the aerator housing and the end of the vertical membrane storagesystem air pipe having the cap, whereby the cap has been removed; and anaerator fluid pipe connected to and in fluid communication with theaerator housing and the receiving means.
 5. The storage system asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the perforated pipe comprises at least twoattachment flanges disposed at least partially along its length forattaching the lower open end of the flexible housing membrane to theperforated pipe.
 6. The storage system as claimed in claim 5, whereinthe flexible housing membrane is attached to the attachment flanges by aplurality of high tensile bolts having neoprene coated nut threads. 7.The storage system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the receiving means isintegral with the perforated pipe, and comprises an open end of theperforated pipe.
 8. A submerged overflow storage system comprising: a.at least one vertical membrane storage system as claimed in claim 1; b.an inflow pipe connected to the receiving means of the at least onevertical membrane storage system; c. an inflow overflow valve disposedwithin the inflow pipe; d. an outflow pipe connected to the inflow pipe;and e. an outflow valve disposed within the inflow pipe and the outflowpipe.
 9. The submerged storage system as claimed in claim 8, furthercomprising a receiving means valve disposed within the receiving meansof the at least one vertical membrane storage system, and a valveactuating means disposed within the receiving means for actuating thereceiving means valve.
 10. The submerged storage system as claimed inclaim 8, wherein the outflow pipe is connected to a sewer system that isvertically disposed below the receiving means of the at least onevertical membrane storage system, the storage system further comprisinga pump connected to the outflow pipe for pumping fluid from the at leastone vertical membrane storage system to the outflow pipe.
 11. A portablesubmerged storage system as claimed in claim 10, further comprising: c.an ambient floating skimmer at least partially submerged in the body ofwater; and d. a connector disposed between a submerged connection tubeand the ambient floating skimmer.
 12. A method of containing an oilspilt in a body of water comprising storing oil contaminated water inthe portable submerged storage system as claimed in claim 11 bydiverting the oil contaminated water from the surface of the body ofwater to the at least one vertical membrane storage system with theambient floating skimmer.
 13. A method of preventing overflow of sewagefrom a sewer system during periods of excess flow, comprising storingthe excess flow in a submerged overflow storage system as claimed inclaim 8 by actuating the inflow valve in the inflow pipe to divert flowfrom the sewer system into the at least one vertical membrane storagesystem.
 14. A portable submerged storage system submerged in a body ofwater comprising: a. at least one vertical membrane storage system asclaimed in claim 1; and b. a connection tube connected to the receivingmeans of the at least one vertical membrane storage system.
 15. Aportable submerged storage system as claimed in claim 14, furthercomprising a receiving means valve disposed within the receiving meansof the at least one vertical membrane storage system, and a valveactuating means disposed within the receiving means for actuating thereceiving means valve.
 16. A portable submerged storage system asclaimed in claim 14, further comprising: c. a floating platform forconnecting the portable submerged storage system to an external device,the floating platform further comprising an ambient connection tubedisposed within the floating platform and connected to the connectiontube; a platform connected to and supporting the ambient connectiontube; and at least one floatation pontoon at least partially submergedin the body of water, and connected to the platform.
 17. A method ofstoring a fluid comprising injecting a fluid into the vertical storagesystem as claimed in claim 1 via the receiving means.